A new Department for Education campaign is calling on more people across the Black Country to consider fostering.
The nationwide campaign is encouraging people who already have the qualities needed to foster to come forward and consider making a difference to a child's life.
Everyday acts of care, from helping with homework to sharing a meal, can help children feel safe, supported and settled, while making a lasting difference to their future
As part of the national drive to recruit more foster carers, Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton councils have come together to establish Black Country Fostering, a regional fostering hub that will transform how foster carers are recruited, supported and retained across the region.
Councillor Matt Lloyd, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “This is about working together across the Black Country to raise awareness of fostering, reach more people and make it easier for residents to find out about how to foster and the support that is available.
“We need more foster carers in Sandwell and across the whole Black Country to provide safe, stable, caring homes for children. Black Country Fostering is being set up to make sure every child has this opportunity and is able to thrive.”
New government research reveals that many people believe they could be good foster carers. However, misconceptions about who can foster may be leading people to needlessly rule themselves out. Around one in five mistakenly believe foster carers must earn above a certain income (22%), own their home (20%) or be married or in a long-term relationship (18%).
Having previous childcare experience or qualifications was the most commonly selected perceived requirement to become a foster carer in England, with 29% of survey respondents in the West Midlands selecting it.
The national campaign aims to reassure people that training, guidance and ongoing support can help them develop the skills and confidence they need to foster and encourages anyone considering fostering to find out more before ruling themselves out.
Emma Taylor, CEO of Sandwell Children’s Trust, added: “This campaign is very much needed. We know that people with so much to offer to children and young people, sometimes quickly rule themselves out of fostering, even though they could be just what our children need. So, if you – or someone you know – is thinking about it, please come and talk to us. I think a lot of people would welcome the advice we are able to give and this may be the start of them being able to change a child’s life.
“There are a lot of people already out there who already have what it takes to make a great foster carer, we are asking them to join us and share their lives with a child who needs the security, nurturing and love they can offer.”
Fostering is more possible than you think. Before ruling yourself out, find out more. Visit fostering.campaign.gov.uk to learn about fostering and what it could look like where you live and use the postcode checker to find your local fostering service.
Black Country Fostering will formally launch later this month. In the meantime, anyone interested in fostering can contact their local authority fostering service to find out more.
- Sandwell or call 0800 358 0899
- Dudley or call 01384 815833
- Walsall or call 0800 923 3706
- Wolverhampton or call 01902 551 133